Hey Patrick,

My name is John, and I love jazz bass. I live in northern California and I am hoping to pursue my studies in jazz music in college. Lately I've been searching for schools that are serious about a higher jazz oriented musical education. I was hoping you (living sort of near-by) might have some knowledge on this subject. I have already looked into the program at The University of the Pacific, but I am curious about other schools (and bass instructors) in my area that have a passion for Jazz music.

Yours, John Lee

Hey Patrick,

My name is John, and I love jazz bass. I live in northern California and I am hoping to pursue my studies in jazz music in college. Lately I've been searching for schools that are serious about a higher jazz oriented musical education. I was hoping you (living sort of near-by) might have some knowledge on this subject. I have already looked into the program at The University of the Pacific, but I am curious about other schools (and bass instructors) in my area that have a passion for Jazz music.

Yours, John Lee

Got me on this one! Ask this question of Lynn Seaton, jazz bass Ask a Pro.
USC has John Clayton, can;t go wrong there! UCSD has a sort of contemporary jazz bent. UCLA has something I think. Most schools have jazz programs, but I cannot be honestly recommending any because of my ignorance. Good Luck!
PN

Sacramento State and Sonoma State Universities both have good jazz departments, headed by Steve Roach (trumpeter) and Mel Graves (bassist) respectively. I have not attended either but I have played and recorded at Sacramento State--there are some good players there.

There's a jazz scene in Sacramento but it's not huge--you have to know people to get gigs, and there aren't a lot of venues. I lived in Davis and played regular house band jazz gigs at the Sheraton Grand, Red Lion Inn, and SkyBar in Sacramento.

If you want to be a working jazz musician your best bet is to find a major metropolitan area known for its culture--SF Bay, LA, and San Diego being the leaders--and find a school nearby. UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UCSD are great schools but pretty competitive. Mark Dresser (a phenomenal experimental bassist) and Bertram Turetzky (a great DB player) both teach at UCSD. Davis is a sleepy town (I'm sure you know, living in Woodland) and while there is a phenomenal jazz teacher there (Mike McMullen) there's not really a jazz scene per se at UCD.

Don't know about UC Merced, Irvine, or Santa Barbara. Can't imagine there's too much jazz going on in Fresno, but Cal State SLO might be worth a look. Hope this helps.

Bravo for the information!